Jake Dennis converted pole position into a commanding victory at the São Paulo E-Prix, delivering the American team its first win of the season and setting the tone for what promises to be one of the most unpredictable campaigns in the series’ history.
Held at the Sambódromo do Anhembi, the season-opening race once again showcased why São Paulo has become one of the most exciting venues on the Formula E calendar. High speeds, tight margins, strategic energy management and a passionate crowd combined to produce a dramatic and incident-filled opener that tested both drivers and teams from start to finish.
From the moment the lights went out, the race unfolded in chaotic fashion. Multiple incidents across the field triggered several Safety Car periods, compressing the pack and forcing teams to constantly adjust their strategies. With just three laps remaining, a heavy accident involving rookie Pepe Martí brought out a red flag, setting up a tense sprint finish to the chequered flag.
Despite the constant interruptions and intense pressure from rivals, Dennis remained calm and precise at the front. Leading through traffic and managing his energy efficiently, the British driver showed maturity and race craft to control the race when it mattered most. After the restart, he executed a clean and decisive final push to secure his first victory since Diriyah in 2024.
Following the race, Dennis was quick to acknowledge the significance of the result and the work done by the entire Andretti operation over the winter break.
“What a day! I didn’t expect to score so many points so early in the season, but I’m really happy to be back to winning ways,” Dennis said. “It’s been a while since Jeddah, so I’m extremely pleased for myself and for the team. We’ve all worked incredibly hard throughout the winter and it’s great to be rewarded with a result like this.”
Beyond the win itself, the performance marked an important milestone for Dennis, who became the first driver to convert pole position into victory at the Sambódromo do Anhembi. It was also the first time a driver starting from the front row claimed victory at the circuit, underlining the significance of Andretti’s qualifying and race execution.
Andretti’s success was amplified by the strong support received from Brazilian fans throughout the weekend. The team quickly became a crowd favourite, in large part due to the highly anticipated Formula E debut of Felipe Drugovich. Making his first start as a full-time Formula E driver on home soil, the Brazilian enjoyed strong backing from the grandstands and brought additional attention to the Andretti garage.
Drugovich’s debut proved to be a demanding but encouraging introduction to the all-electric championship. He initially crossed the line in fifth place after a composed drive that demonstrated solid pace and effective energy management. However, post-race penalties dropped him to 12th in the final classification. Despite the setback, his performance offered clear signs of potential and adaptability in one of the most competitive grids in world motorsport.
The weekend also carried a personal milestone for Andretti team principal Roger Griffiths, who celebrated his birthday during the São Paulo event. The victory served as a fitting gift, with the team marking the occasion in the garage with celebrations that reflected the positive atmosphere surrounding the squad.
On track, the battle behind Dennis was just as intense. Oliver Rowland delivered a remarkable recovery drive, climbing from 13th on the grid to finish second. Nick Cassidy completed the podium after a strong and consistent performance, having briefly challenged for the lead earlier in the race. Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Müller secured fourth and fifth positions respectively for Porsche, while Max Günther finished sixth for DS Penske.
The opening round also highlighted the competitive depth of the 2025/2026 field, with multiple manufacturers and teams showing race-winning potential. Energy management, strategy calls and timing of Attack Mode usage proved decisive, reinforcing Formula E’s reputation as a championship where execution and adaptability are just as important as outright speed.
With maximum points from São Paulo, Dennis leaves Brazil leading the drivers’ standings, while Andretti tops the teams’ championship. Porsche currently leads the manufacturers’ classification after a solid collective performance.
Formula E now heads into a short break before returning on 10 January for Round 2 in Mexico City, a venue known for delivering strategic and hard-fought races. After an action-packed opener in São Paulo, the stage is set for a season defined by close margins, evolving rivalries and relentless competition.
